General Discussion Triathlon Talk » 70.3 Training Indoors? Rss Feed  
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2013-09-14 6:17 AM

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Subject: 70.3 Training Indoors?
I want to do a 70.3 even in the early spring, which means I would have to do a lot of training in Feb-April. Run and swim aren't too challenging indoors but I'm wondering about the bike.

Anyone do a 70.3 with most of the bike training indoors on a trainer?
Thoughts?


2013-09-14 6:38 AM
in reply to: Jpro19

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Subject: RE: 70.3 Training Indoors?

Lots of people hate the trainer, I love it. No problem training 60 to 100 miles inside in front of the tv with a trainer that you can adjust the resistance of without getting off the bike.

I have been told its not ideal, but you know if thats what you can do than thats what you can do.

2013-09-14 6:49 AM
in reply to: Jpro19


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Subject: RE: 70.3 Training Indoors?
I'm sure I could, although it probably wouldn't be my best bike split.

I came pretty close to all-indoor on the bike early 2013 when I trained for my 2nd 70.3 with all-indoor training for weekday rides done with TrainerRoad, and one weekend outdoor long bike.

Time is scarce for me, so I even tried to condense that weekend outdoor bike into a shorter indoor bike using TrainerRoad, but I found that I just couldn't mentally deal with the duration of the indoor rides needed to get the equal training load (TSS) that I do on a long outdoor ride. Plus, I started to really hate bike training after being all indoors with no relief, so given that I live in a winter-friendly outdoor riding area, it didn't make sense for me to force the indoor issue. I will also admit that that long outdoor ride was the most important bike workout of the week for me, so despite my indoor efforts, the outdoor bike was a big factor in training.

Results were good - I improved my overall bike standing from top 12% OA to top 3% OA and ended up with the 2nd fastest bike split in my AG. I could probably come close to that if I were forced to go all-indoors, but it would take more mental effort in training.
2013-09-14 7:28 AM
in reply to: Jpro19

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Subject: RE: 70.3 Training Indoors?
I haven't done it but I'm sure I could if I decided that's what I wanted to do.  I've done the mind numbing 3.5-4 hour trainer rides.
2013-09-14 8:13 AM
in reply to: Jpro19

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Subject: RE: 70.3 Training Indoors?
Not personally (I did my weekly long ride outdoors almost every week when training for my HIM) but there are plenty of triathletes in SE Asia who do almost all their biking on the trainer due to traffic and weather, up to and including IM distance. I think beyond getting in enough rides to be sure your bike handling skills (esp. riding in aero) are okay, it's mainly a matter of your tolerance for boredom! Ever since I started tri, when I'm in Vietnam, no matter what the distance, all my rides except for the weekend long one have been on a trainer or stationary. Two hours is pretty much my indoor limit, though, and it needs to be a good movie!
2013-09-14 8:45 AM
in reply to: Hot Runner

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Subject: RE: 70.3 Training Indoors?
I have a HIM in 3 weeks and I have done 90% of my bike training inside on a trainer. I feel prepared but we shall see what happens...


2013-09-14 8:51 AM
in reply to: Jpro19

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Subject: RE: 70.3 Training Indoors?

Originally posted by Jpro19 I want to do a 70.3 even in the early spring, which means I would have to do a lot of training in Feb-April. Run and swim aren't too challenging indoors but I'm wondering about the bike. Anyone do a 70.3 with most of the bike training indoors on a trainer? Thoughts?

Have done it and yes, it's quite do-able. Push yourself well on the trainer and you'll be in great shape for it.

2013-09-14 9:11 AM
in reply to: brigby1

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Subject: RE: 70.3 Training Indoors?
Good points. I think ideally at the end of the day the outdoors are good for simulation of winds, hills and bike handling but when time and weather are a clear barrier good to know the trainer is suitable option.

Just finished 2 hour session on trainer. I feel great. But, I did just finish a great movie.
2013-09-14 9:20 AM
in reply to: Jpro19

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Subject: RE: 70.3 Training Indoors?
Yes, those are things that you have to be outdoors to work on, but fitness is the dominant factor by a fair margin. And the trainer can do that very well. Do you have reasonable ability in those situations currently? That may drop some with (near) exclusive trainer riding, but do remember that there is good reason for the expression "it's like riding a bike". Smile
2013-09-14 9:34 AM
in reply to: brigby1

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Subject: RE: 70.3 Training Indoors?
Originally posted by brigby1

Yes, those are things that you have to be outdoors to work on, but fitness is the dominant factor by a fair margin. And the trainer can do that very well. Do you have reasonable ability in those situations currently? That may drop some with (near) exclusive trainer riding, but do remember that there is good reason for the expression "it's like riding a bike". Smile


Good point.
2013-09-14 11:06 AM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: 70.3 Training Indoors?
Trainer gets rid of all that distracting scenery.

Seriously, it's do-able. Get in a few outdoor rides closer to your race to remember what it feels like to climb a real hill or turn a corner. Everything else is just strength and endurance. Put on a movie, blast some music, or better yet, have a little chat with your higher power.

Edited by Batcheldor 2013-09-14 11:09 AM


2013-09-14 11:52 AM
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Subject: RE: 70.3 Training Indoors?
I did a 70.3 this spring with almost all of my bike rides inside. I was able to get in 3 or so long rides outside toward the end and that was it. I actually don't mind the long rides on the trainer. My advice is to make sure you've got a nice fan, and a good setup with quality headphones hooked up to a TV so you can watch movies or whatever you want and actually hear whats going on. Being able to actually engage in some kind of entertainment helps a ton.

In a way I'm actually looking forward to my winter on the trainer. I made steady gains last year and being able to jump on any time without worrying about traffic or weather was really convenient.

Edited by JZig 2013-09-14 11:52 AM
2013-09-14 7:26 PM
in reply to: Jpro19

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Subject: RE: 70.3 Training Indoors?
Count me among the haves! I trained 98% on my trainer for my first HIM--but I am also one of those that love it. I'll be doing another HIM late spring/early summer and am just fine thinking about all the trainer time.
2013-09-14 7:28 PM
in reply to: JZig

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Subject: RE: 70.3 Training Indoors?
I trained for my first 2 IMs on the trainer.  Absolutely it's doable.  There are no excuses not to ride when the trainer is set up in your house.  I don't mind training indoors.  It's much better for time management in my eyes.  I did get a handful of rides outside prior to each race.
2013-09-23 8:11 PM
in reply to: Jpro19

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Subject: RE: 70.3 Training Indoors?
In my attempt for a HIM this past summer, I developed bilateral stress fx and couldn't run--moved my race reg to the aquabike category instead, with the idea of trying for a top five aquabike placing. I did accomplish that by doing 90% of my cycling on the trainer. Partially because, I have two young kids and most of my rides were done after they were in bed, and also because i have had a couple of close calls with almost being hit by a car/truck so the indoor trainer is more calming to me.
My opinion is this: if you do most of the trainig on an indoor trainer, you need to make sure you are doing similar intensity as harder workouts you would do on the road. They are each different. I personally didn't focus enough on hill inclines, so the last few miles of my aquabike, any hill i suffered. I still think you could do well, with most of your training indoors, but I know from my personal experience, a few quality outdoor rides would make things better. Good Luck!
2013-09-24 12:19 AM
in reply to: tigers75

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Subject: RE: 70.3 Training Indoors?
Originally posted by tigers75

In my attempt for a HIM this past summer, I developed bilateral stress fx and couldn't run--moved my race reg to the aquabike category instead, with the idea of trying for a top five aquabike placing. I did accomplish that by doing 90% of my cycling on the trainer. Partially because, I have two young kids and most of my rides were done after they were in bed, and also because i have had a couple of close calls with almost being hit by a car/truck so the indoor trainer is more calming to me.
My opinion is this: if you do most of the trainig on an indoor trainer, you need to make sure you are doing similar intensity as harder workouts you would do on the road. They are each different. I personally didn't focus enough on hill inclines, so the last few miles of my aquabike, any hill i suffered. I still think you could do well, with most of your training indoors, but I know from my personal experience, a few quality outdoor rides would make things better. Good Luck!



I personally have a tough time reaching my trainer intensity riding outdoors.


2013-09-24 12:19 AM
in reply to: tigers75

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Subject: RE: 70.3 Training Indoors?
Originally posted by tigers75

In my attempt for a HIM this past summer, I developed bilateral stress fx and couldn't run--moved my race reg to the aquabike category instead, with the idea of trying for a top five aquabike placing. I did accomplish that by doing 90% of my cycling on the trainer. Partially because, I have two young kids and most of my rides were done after they were in bed, and also because i have had a couple of close calls with almost being hit by a car/truck so the indoor trainer is more calming to me.
My opinion is this: if you do most of the trainig on an indoor trainer, you need to make sure you are doing similar intensity as harder workouts you would do on the road. They are each different. I personally didn't focus enough on hill inclines, so the last few miles of my aquabike, any hill i suffered. I still think you could do well, with most of your training indoors, but I know from my personal experience, a few quality outdoor rides would make things better. Good Luck!



I personally have a tough time reaching my trainer intensity riding outdoors.
2013-09-24 6:31 AM
in reply to: Jpro19

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Subject: RE: 70.3 Training Indoors?
Definitely doable. Trainers provide a great focused workout with constant effort. To get the most out of a trainer though make sure you have a focused effort with intervals, and varied resistance. You may want to invest is a good trainer like the Cycleops Powerbeam.
2013-09-24 10:23 AM
in reply to: Jpro19

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Subject: RE: 70.3 Training Indoors?

Originally posted by Jpro19 I want to do a 70.3 even in the early spring, which means I would have to do a lot of training in Feb-April. Run and swim aren't too challenging indoors but I'm wondering about the bike. Anyone do a 70.3 with most of the bike training indoors on a trainer? Thoughts?

 

I did it last winter.  Did ALL of my bike training on the trainer.  My first outdoor ride of 2013 was race day in San Juan.

 

My only advice is that if you haven't started building your time on the trainer, start NOW.  I ran out of time building my endurance on the trainer and as such I never rode more than two hours heading into the race... not a good way to prepare. 

 

Granted, I know now that the biggest thing I was fighting was my saddle and associated discomfort, but still, I didn't do anything longer than that.  You want to make sure that you get a ton of rides in that are as long as you plan to be out on the bike course.

 

2013-09-24 10:42 AM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: 70.3 Training Indoors?

I really recommend spending a little time and money figuring out what keeps you motivated on the trainer. Spinervals, TrainerRoad, Sufferfest, TurboCrank, just a countdown clock, etc...

Finding out what helps your ride effectively indoors can make all the difference in the world.

ETA: If you want to borrow a Spinervals DVD to check it out, I can send one your way.



Edited by ratherbeswimming 2013-09-24 11:11 AM
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